Disney is keeping ESPN

Disney is keeping ESPN

April 30, 2026

Disney has decided to keep ESPN
Disney has decided not to spin off or sell ESPN, ending years of internal and investor speculation about separating the sports network from the company. New CEO Josh D’Amaro views ESPN as a strategic asset that can help drive Disney’s shift toward streaming, rather than a drag on its valuation as cable declines. While a future sale or spinoff isn’t completely ruled out, Disney plans to keep ESPN in-house for now and continue distributing it across cable, bundled streaming, and its standalone direct-to-consumer service.
^{Business Insider}

MLS Innovation Lab Unveils Third Cohort Driving the Future of the Game
Major League Soccer unveiled the 2026 class of its MLS Innovation Lab, selecting five AI‑focused companies to test and scale new technologies across player performance, fan engagement, and media production. Now in its third year, the program allows startups to deploy their solutions in real MLS environments, including marquee events such as the 2026 MLS All‑Star Game and top MLS NEXT competitions. MLS executives said the cohort reflects the league’s broader innovation strategy, using real‑world testing to evaluate emerging technologies that could shape how soccer is played, produced, and experienced.
^{PR Newswire}

The CW Teams With ESPN & Roku In Streaming Partnerships Unveiled During Upfront Push
The CW announced new streaming partnerships with ESPN and Roku that significantly expand the reach of its programming without launching its own paid streaming service. Under the deals, more than 800 hours of The CW’s live sports will stream on ESPN’s app, while its entertainment shows will be available on The Roku Channel the day after their linear TV premieres. The strategy reflects The CW’s shift toward live sports and broad distribution following Nexstar’s majority ownership, aiming to boost audience reach and advertising value during upfront season.
^Deadline

NBA eyes new anti-tanking proposal for draft lottery
The NBA has presented a new anti‑tanking proposal known as the “3‑2‑1 lottery,” which would expand the draft lottery from 14 to 16 teams, flatten the odds, and penalize the three worst teams with fewer chances at the No. 1 pick starting in 2027. Under the plan, teams with the fourth‑through‑10th worst records would receive the most lottery balls, while the bottom three teams would be placed in a “relegation zone,” unable to pick higher than No. 12. The proposal, which also limits consecutive top picks and includes a sunset clause through 2029, has majority support among teams and is expected to be voted on by owners in May.
^ESPN

CFLPA Statement on 2027 Playoff Format
The CFL Players’ Association said it worked collaboratively with the league on the new 2027 playoff format, emphasizing that player interests were central to the negotiations. CFLPA leadership stated the changes deliver immediate financial benefits for players while supporting the league’s long‑term growth, building on the revenue‑sharing framework agreed to in 2022. The union added it remains committed to working with the CFL on future initiatives that strengthen both player compensation and the overall health of the league.
^{CFL News Hub}

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal
ESPN is finalizing a multi‑year deal to retain longtime NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport following its recent acquisition of NFL Network from the NFL. Under the agreement, Rapoport will appear across ESPN platforms while continuing his role with NFL Network, giving ESPN what it views as the two top NFL insiders in Rapoport and Adam Schefter under one umbrella. The deal makes Rapoport the first major piece of NFL Network talent to re‑sign with ESPN after the merger, signaling stability in ESPN’s NFL coverage strategy.
^{Front Office Sports}

NBC Reporter Bids Farewell to 26 Years Job at Final Kentucky Derby
NBC Sports track reporter Donna Brothers announced that the 2026 Kentucky Derby will be her final assignment after 26 years as a fixture of the network’s horse‑racing coverage. Brothers, a former jockey, became widely known for reporting on horseback during the Derby, allowing her to interview winning jockeys moments after the race and creating some of NBC’s most memorable post‑race moments. She said the decision reflects both the milestone of her career and a personal choice to step away after decades of travel and high‑profile event coverage.
^{Yahoo Sports}

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NCAA to expand March Madness men's and women's college basketball tournaments to 76 teams in 2027
The NCAA plans to expand both the men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments from 68 to 76 teams beginning in 2027, with a formal announcement expected in May pending final committee approvals. The new format would add eight at‑large teams and expand the current “First Four” into a larger opening round featuring 24 teams playing 12 games before the traditional 64‑team bracket begins. NCAA leaders and conference commissioners support the move for increased access and long‑term revenue potential, while critics argue it could dilute the importance of the regular season.
^{CBS Sports}

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